ELK RIVER, Minn. (KMSP) - The Elk River Police Department issued an alert to area residents Wednesday after a woman was assaulted while jogging on a local trail.
The victim told police she was running on a paved trail when an unknown person pushed her down to the ground and then ran away. She did not see anyone on the trail, but believes they were hiding in the porta potty located near the exit to Watson Street.
The incident occurred Saturday morning around 6:30 a.m. in Woodland Trails, just south of the County Road 33 overpass.
Police say the victim suffered several scrapes and bruises in the assault.
It is the first assault reported in relation to Woodland Trails Park and is believed to be an isolated incident. Officers will be out patrolling that area in response to the incident.
“We want our residents and visitors to be aware of their surroundings,” said Elk River Police Chief Ron Nerenhasen in a Facebook post. “Always use caution when out alone, if you see something out of the ordinary report it, and always report incidents immediately.”